Newly appointed Interior & Police Minister Faride Raful announced that the government plans to launch a public campaign to promote “a culture of peace”. The Abinader government has been criticized for spending billions on propaganda, with government entities advertising their work.
Diario Libre reports that the initiative comes in response to data indicating that the majority of homicides are linked to social conflicts. Between 1 and 16 August 2024 alone, there have been 55 recorded homicides: 65.5% were attributed to social conflicts, 14.5% are under investigation, 10.9% were linked to criminal activity, and 9.1% were categorized as “legal action.”
Raful emphasized that addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach to citizen security, involving not just state actors but also families, religious institutions, and other community members. The forthcoming campaign aims to raise awareness and foster greater integration among all societal actors.
Raful said the government is working to relocate the premises of the Ministry of Interior & Police that at present is located high up in the Huacal government building. Raful said the current offices are outdated and lack adequate space and security.
Raful also plans to advance the Ministry’s technological capabilities, streamlining processes such as naturalization and licensing to better serve the public. She emphasized that while the previous administration, led by Jesús Vásquez Martínez (Chu), had managed the Ministry effectively, her goal is to build upon and enhance the existing framework.
The government reports a reduction in the homicide rate to 9.95 per 100,000 inhabitants, marking a 13.4% decrease from 2023, as reported in Diario Libre.
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Diario Libre
27 August 2024